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Start Your Skilled Trades Career in Less Than a Year!

Our Skilled Trades pre-apprenticeship and career exploration programs equip students for rewarding careers in skilled trades. With job readiness achieved in just over six months and an impressive placement rate of over 90%, our programs are built for success.

 

Our training programs are offered at no cost. This allows participants to gain the essential knowledge and develop the skills needed to embark on a rewarding career — tuition-free.

Pre-apprenticeship Training

Our free pre-apprenticeship programs offer training to eligible individuals, along with job search assistance after graduation. Students graduate with valuable skills and hands-on experience, fully prepared to launch a career in the industrial or construction sector.

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Skilled Trades Exploration

The Skilled Trades Exploration Programs helps youth and eligible individuals explore careers in the skilled trades by providing hands-on experience in construction, manufacturing, and electrical trades.

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Academic Upgrading Programs

Develop new skills or build on existing ones with our free academic upgrading and training programs, designed for employment, mature student testing, apprenticeship training, and other exams.

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Building Better Futures

Client Testimonials

The Trades We Teach

We offer comprehensive instruction and training to help you launch a career in a variety of skilled trades. Our programs include Industrial Electrical, Residential Electrical, Machining, Industrial Millwright, and Carpentry in Construction, providing you with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to succeed in these high-demand fields. Our programs are free to all participants.

Careers in Skilled Trades

Skilled trades play a vital role in Canada’s economy, offering numerous compelling reasons to consider pursuing a career in this field. With a diverse range of job opportunities, skilled trades provide flexibility and variety for workers. Many trades offer the opportunity to “earn while you learn,” making them financially accessible. Additionally, strong labour market demands ensure job security, while high job satisfaction and competitive earning potential make the skilled trades a rewarding career choice.

What you’ll like about our programs

Students enjoy small class sizes and hands-on practical training, spending 70–80% of their time in the shop. No additional academic electives are required, and all instruction is provided by seasoned industry professionals.

All skilled trades training programs take place at our skilled trades workshop at 3335 North Service Road, Burlington and our head office at 3350 South Service Road, Burlington.

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Latest Job Openings

Visit the Job Board to see all available openings.

Inside Sales Executive – Equipment Leasing

Burlington, ON Remote Contract

Posted: May 2, 2025

CGS Finance Corp provides equipment leasing and working capital solutions to small and mid-sized businesses across the North American market through its partner company, Catalyst Finance. Catalyst Finance maintains strong relationships with finance companies, banks, and private lenders to ensure …

JobID: AW10

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Facility Maintenance

Hamilton, ON In-person Permanent

Posted: May 2, 2025

Since 1998, AVL Manufacturing has been responding to industrial markets with turnkey manufacturing solutions. As an independent Canadian company focused on the design, development, engineering, and integration of renewable & nonrenewable power generation, we are committed to exceeding customer expectations. …

JobID: FM173

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Purchaser

Hamilton, ON In-person Permanent

Posted: May 2, 2025

Since 1998, AVL Manufacturing has been responding to industrial markets with turnkey manufacturing solutions. As an independent Canadian company focused on the design, development, engineering, and integration of renewable & nonrenewable power generation, we are committed to exceeding customer expectation. …

JobID: FM174

View Details

News & Events

Join Our Newcomer Conversation Circles in Halton!

February 10, 2025

Want to chat in English with other Newcomers to Canada? Join Our Newcomer Conversation Circles! Come join us in person at our local libraries in Burlington and Oakville! This is a wonderful opportunity for newcomers to connect with more experienced…
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Feeling Stuck in Your Career? Canada’s Job Bank Can Help 

February 10, 2025

Remember those high school Civics & Careers classes when your teacher asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and you had no idea? Fast forward to now, perhaps after a career path or two, you feel…
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Holiday Hours

December 18, 2024

Holiday Hours Please be aware that the Centre for Skills Development offices will be closed during the winter holidays from December 25th to January 1st, 2025. However, our Employment Services will offer services remotely from December 27th to December 31st, 2024. Here…
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For Employers

Our pre-apprentices are skilled, trained, safety-certified, and ready to work.

Meet your recruiting needs with qualified apprentices who are prepared to contribute from day one.

Contact our Employer Services today!